Motor-vehicle passenger-compartment air-cleaner

ABSTRACT

An air filtration method and device by which to more effectively clean the ambient air (19) being fed into a motor vehicle&#39;s passenger compartment, via the existing OEM ventilation and heating/air conditioning system (10, 15, 16). The notion of a special more conveniently accessible air filtration appliance (21) is set forth with generic variants showing adaptability to differently configured OEM air outlets. The new technique contemplates treating the air instantly as it is being discharged into the passenger compartment; yet remains compatible with existing OEM air filtration provision, some of which are provided at the cowl inlet, others are located mid stream within the ducting system.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/006,045 filed on Oct. 24, 1995.

I.) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to air-cleaning devices for use in amotor-vehicle such as for a car, truck, or airplane; and in particular,to air-cleaning devices of a type adapted to clean the air fed throughthe passenger-compartment or cockpit thereof, via existing air-ductingaperture(s).

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is commonly accepted that motor-vehicle internal-combustion enginesmust have clean air to operate properly, essentially to avoid costlyengine repairs. However, providing clean air for the human occupants ofmotor-vehicles has been largely ignored, except in a few expensiveluxury motorcars. Presently therefore, the average motorist cannotattain the "luxury" of affording such pre-filtered passenger-compartmentair; so are constantly exposed en masse to the road-vehicleexhaust-fumes (carbon particulates, carbon-monoxide, hydrocarbons,oxides of nitrogen), rubber-tire dust, and brake-lining fibers(including asbestos). Moreover, mildew and mold tend to cultivate onheat-exchangers of moist air-conditioners or warm heaters, resulting inmoldy spores being blown into the passenger-compartment via airoutlet-duct apertures. A resulting moldy odor is most noticeableimmediately upon activating the heater or air-conditioner's blowers. Inaddition, the dust, allergens-pollen, and pollutants within thepassenger-compartment also get stirred-up by air blown into thepassenger-compartment, whereupon it becomes an accumulative process,particularly aggressive within the intimate confines of apassenger-compartment. Furthermore, this adverse situation actuallycontributes to motorists feeling overly tired and depleted after a longdrive on crowded roadways, owing to inhalation of these adverse aircontaminants. Hence, a system devised to ameliorate this condition wouldcontribute to a motorist's feeling of well-being, and thus increaseautomobile safety.

In the past, practically all efforts to cleanse air being dischargedinto the passenger-compartment have been directed toward placing afilter within the air-inlet or ducting system thereto, as have beenpatented chronologically per the following:

By Helwit in U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,034 (filed: July 1974), who shows a"filter attachment for automobile passenger-compartment air-intake";which is essentially a cowl-intake situated OEM(original equipmentmanufacture) type arrangement, wherein a laminated porous-full-flowpaper-filter is interspersed with activated charcoal. Therefore, thefilter is positionally incapable of filtering-out contaminants withinthe ducting-system, nor can it filter-out contaminants recirculatingwithin the vehicle's interior.

By Bach in French Pat. #2,636,013 (filed: February 1989), who shows botha screw-on and a tapered universally fitting dust-filter cartridge,either to be adapted to the passenger-compartment air-induction inlet ofa vehicle; therefore still not addressing the need to filter thecontaminants prevailing within the existing ducting passageways.

By Arold in U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,356(filed: July 1991, to Mercedes-Benz),who shows a "passenger-compartment air-filter"; which is made to installwithin an air-duct serving to draw-in stale-air from thepassenger-compartment for recirculation, so as to treat secondaryconditions of the air prior to it's being reintroduced into thepassenger-compartment air/re-entry ducts. However, the system is notretrofitable to aftermarket installation, nor is it ideally situated atthe final outlet stage of the air-ducting system.

By Kowalczyk in U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,346 (filed: July 1992), who shows an"air-purifier pleated-filter to stop pollution for passangers inside ofa motor-vehicle"; which is again designed to provide a replaceablefiltering media staged deep within the ducting-system.

By Gould in U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,444 (filed: April 1993), who shows a"filtered air-intake for a passenger-vehicle"; wherein an air-inlet andfiltering-apparatus for the passenger-compartment is located at the cowlarea beneath the hood, so cannot actually filter-out those contaminantsprevailing within the ducting-system where it enters the cabin.

By Chiba in U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,620 (filed: August 1993), who shows a"device for cleaning surrounding-air fed into passenger-compartment of amotor-vehicle"; wherein an air-inlet and filtering-apparatus for thepassenger-compartment is located at the cowl area beneath the hood, solike the previous example does not actually filter-out thosecontaminants found within the ducting-system where it enters the cabin.

By Hein in German Pat. #4,303,693 (filed: September 1993), who shows anelectrostatic-cleaning device, with an air-filtering element againadapted to fit at the air-inlet stage, not at the air-outlet stage ofthe air-ducting system.

The preceding filtering apparatus also have the disadvantage ofrequiring OEM (Original Equip. Mfg.) modification to the vehiclestructure; hence, are not really adaptable for retrofitting of anexisting operating vehicle. In addition, the prior-art filteringdescribed cannot effectively capture the mildew and mold tending tofester upon the heat-exchangers of moist air-conditioners or warm-airblown into the passenger-compartment via air outlet-ducts.

Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent review, thereis determined a need for an improved form of device to which thesepatents have been largely addressed. The instant inventor hereofbelieves their newly improved passenger-air filtering device,commercially referred to as the "KLEENAIR"™, currently being developedfor production under auspices of the Kim-Mfg./Mkt.Co., exhibits certainadvantages as shall be revealed in the subsequent portion of thisinstant disclosure.

II.) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A.) In view of the foregoing discussion about the earlier invention art,it is therefore important to make it pellucid to others interested inthe art that the object of this invention is to provide apassenger-compartment air-cleaning device that can be easily retrofittedinto existing motor-vehicles without involving some major form ofmodification to the vehicle. This device is capable of substantiallyremoving dust, fungus-spores, allergens, and odors, known to arise fromthe ventilation-ducts and integrally-formed heat-exchangers ofair-conditioning or heating units, as the air is blown into thepassenger-compartment.

B.) It is another object of this invention disclosure to set forth apassenger-compartment air-cleaning device wherein the under-hood tocowling manner of location is understood to be inherently plagued by theadverse contaminant problem identified previously, wherein no manner ofair-filtration arranged at the inleting of the system ducting canactually effectively deal with contamination downwind therefrom.Accordingly, this disclosure treats the problem by via an oppositearrangement, whereby the novel solution is an air-filtration applianceapplied at the final air-discharge location, so as to engage theair-borne contaminants just as they escape into thepassenger-compartment. Owing to the different structural configurationsof existing ventilation-system air-discharge baffles, severalgeneric-variants are explored. The effectiveness of the newair-filtration location is such that the user can if desired, actuallyremove the original OEM air-filtration unit, however it is believed thatthe combination of installing a clean OEM air-filter unit, plusinstallation of this new air-filtration at the final air-dischargeoutlet, will provide the ultimate in breathing protection to themotorist.

C.) It is a further object of this invention disclosure to set forth apassenger-compartment air-cleaning appliance, which treats the air as itinstantly enters the passenger-compartment cabin confines; and, for thisreason, is considered even more likely to be properly servicedperiodically as air-borne contaminants eventually clog effectiveness ofthe filtering unit. Owing to the more conveniently accessible locationof my new airfilter, it becomes then an item which the average motoristcould be as able to attend to as well as the car-dealershipservice-manager; --and hence, at a substantial savings in labor cost aswell. A low-cost air-filtration appliance according to one of thegeneric-variants proposed herein, if conveniently obtained from apopular neighborhood aftermarket autoparts retail-store, would cost onlya fraction of the known higher retail-price charged by new-carparts-departments. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment of thisdisclosure, involves tool-free attaching means providing serviceablyaccessible replacement of the air-filter unit as a simplequick-detachment of the used unit, followed by quick-attach of the newunit; --conveniently from within the motor-vehicle'spassenger-compartment.

E.) Another object of my invention disclosure hereof, is to provide afurther generic-variant embodiment wherein the air-outletairfilter-element appliance is so configured as to permit selectivehinging away from the immediate outlet aperture, enabling theoutleting-air to flow free of measurably constrictive air-drag(naturally imposed by added presence of the air-filter element beingintroduced herein). Although the offset hinging member can be placedabove the air-filter element, so the invention appliance can swingupward, or laterally to left or right; it is preferred that theairfilter-element's optionally positioned offset hinge be arranged totake advantage of gravity, whereby the air-filter housing portionmanually swings downward away from significantly constricting free-flowof discharging-air. This provision is desired primarily only duringperiods of system air-blower operation when maximumvolumetric-efficiency is needed; such as for example, when initialhot-day rapid cool-down of the passenger-compartment is called for.

III.) DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DRAWINGS

The foregoing and still other objects of this invention will becomefully apparent, along with various advantages and features of noveltyresiding in the present embodiments, from study of the followingdescription of the variant generic species embodiments and study of theensuing description of these embodiments. Wherein indicia of referenceare shown to match related matter stated in the text, as well as theClaims section annexed hereto; and accordingly, a better understandingof the invention and the variant uses is intended, by reference to thedrawings, which are considered as primarily exemplary and not to betherefore construed as restrictive in nature; wherein:

FIG. 1, is a pictorial view of an existing (not necessarily patented)OEM prior-art dashboard structural configuration, whichpassenger-compartment air discharge-outlet is conventionally absent ofany supplemental air-filtering appliance thereto;

FIG. 2, is a greatly enlarged pictorial aspect thereof, showing only theair-outlet represented at far left of FIG. 1, including installation ofmy air-filter appliance housing installation having an exemplifiedoptionally bottom-hinged access-cover, whereto a phantom-outline showsan the alternate open mode of operation;

FIG. 3, is a cross-sectional side/elevation-view of the air-outletapparatus, suggesting generic-variant embodiments thereof, heredemonstrating both hook-&-loop fastener, and double-face foam-tapeattachment;

FIG. 4, is a generic-variant embodiment thereof, here employing a T-barengagement device as an attachment means, including a phantom-outlineshowing how the device is rotated 90-degrees to attain positiveretention, plus an optional slack-adjuster device is shown;

FIG. 5, is a generic-variant embodiment thereof, employing a 180-degreehooking arrangement, also serving to positively lock thevariable-louvers into full open attitude;

FIG. 6, is a generic-variant embodiment thereof, here employing asnap-on flexile hooking device arrangement;

FIG. 7, is a generic-variant embodiment thereof, here employingthreaded-fasteners in both concealed and unconcealed methods;

FIG. 8, is a generic-variant embodiment thereof, here employing adhesiveattachment means within the walls of the final air-discharge ducting;

FIG. 9, is a generic-variant embodiment thereof, here employingbifurcated-flexile-fingers providing a convenient snap-on action.

V.) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Initial reference is given by way of prior-art FIG. 1, wherein isexhibited a portion of an OEM transverse dashboard 10, adjacentwindshield 12, and contiguous right-side door windowglass 13. Theleft-side of the dashboard 10 generally includes an instrument-panelcluster 11, shown here including an exemplified circular air-duct outlethaving grille like louvers 18' and surround fascia or bezel portion 20.To the far right side of the dashboard is shown an exemplified companionair-duct outlet grille but of the rectangular type. usually comprised ofvariable-pitch angle louvers 18 which are manually adjustable fromclosed to horizontally open (as shown here); usually both suchexemplified air-outlets being arranged in fluid-communication with acommon air-ducting system, details of which are not depicted here in asmuch as the invention is only concerned with the instantly exiting airprovisions. Generally however, such automotive type air-outlets per FIG.1 include some manner of air directional-control means, either via arotational swivel-axis such as 16, or via a vertical or horizontalpivot-axis 17.

In enlarged view of FIG. 2 is depicted a closer detail of air-outlet 15as appeared in FIG. 1, here including the addition of my special overallsupplemental air-filtration appliance 21. Note here how an air-filterhousing-bezel 24 is preferably constructed with an adjoining coverportion 22 connected via a housing hinge-axis 23. Universal appliance 21is preferably adapted to fit around the perimeter of aperture 15 on thesides of the dashboard fascia 20, so as to thereby cause all dischargingduct-air to pass through provisional air-filter element 25. Air-outletsof the circular type (11 per FIG. 1) are similarly addressed, preferablyvia a matching circular air-filter cartridge unit. Continued referenceto FIG. 2, shows how the installed assembly of FIG. 1 appears with thereceiver-flange door 22 opened via transverse flexile-hinge portion 23'contained within the housing is a replaceable air-filter unit 24 as maybe fabricated from any conventional commercially availableair-filtration material permeable to the flow-through of forced-airissuing by means of a conventional electric air-blower housed within theconventional air-ducting system, all of which is concealed behind OEMdashboard 10/10' of FIG. 1.

Reference to FIG. 3 detail of the invention shows a cross-section of aninstalled appliance hereof, wherein a frame like fixed portion is shownhaving mounting-flange bezel 24, whereby commercially availabledouble-face foam type mounting-tape 27 is exemplified here to achieveattachment. A receiver-cover portion 22 preferably has a perimeterretention-flange portion 26 by which to retain the preferablyreplaceable air-filter element material (or cartridge unit) 25. Thesimilar housing-cover 22 of FIG. 2 however, being openable to alternateposition 22', so as to either facilitate easy drop-in replacement ofair-filter 25, or alternately enabling user to bypass the provisionalair-filter hereof so as to facilitate unobstructed free-flow ofblown-air 19. Also note in FIG. 3, that an optional adhesive material(such as may be dispensed from a capped-tube) may be substituted inplace of the foam-tape 27, which would be any commercially availablethickened polymer-resin dispersion capable of smoothly filling-in smallirregularities such as any stepped-surface crevices, etc. An alternatemeans of attachment is also exemplified in FIG. 3, wherein aconventional two-piece hook 28 & loop 28' VELCRO® type perimeterfastener may be substituted, enabling user to periodically moreconveniently remove and discard a dirty used air-filter unit 25 with afresh new unit, simply by repressing the mating hook & loop portionstogether.

There remain subtle, however vital differences which are to become moreevident and understood as important improvements. Detail cross-sectionof FIG. 4 shows how a special toggle-bolt or T-bar device havingT-anchor portion 31, contiguous male-threaded shaft 32, and co-actingfemale screw-threaded finger-turned adjuster-nut 33; functions toreadily hold an air-filter unit 25 intimately to the surround-fascia 20of dash air-outlet 15. Since rotary elongated finger-knob 33 ispreferably oriented parallel with the T-bar, it acts to let theinstaller instantly know if they have rotated the internally obscuredT-bar to a position 90-degrees to the plane of the louvers 18 as shownin FIG. 4. Note also in FIG. 4, that optional female screw-threadedadjuster-nut 34 enables installer to make sufficient axial-adjustmenttake-up of screw-threaded bar 32 as to eliminate any excessive slackwhich could cause an undesirable loose mounting relative tosurround-fascia 13.

Reference to FIG. 5 shows another generic-variant embodiment, whereinshaft 32 is terminated inwardly (into air-outlet 15) via a 180-degreewraparound hanger-hook device 39, which by virtue of it's intimatetwo-sided impingement upon an existing louver 18; so that adjustment ofthe outer female screw-threaded adjuster-nut 34 tightens the assemblysnugly in place. FIG. 6 demonstrates a similar arrangement to that ofFIG. 5, but further provides a special self-locking snap-actioncombination snap-paw 35 and slider-spade 35', which device presses intopositive engagement upon the existing louver 18 enters via the thusformed flexile-mouth, and slips-on until the snap-paw 35 ultimatelysnaps-shut, thereby holding louver aggregation 18 in full-open attitude,assuring maximum volumetric-airflow through the air-filter appliance.

Further generic-variant example of FIG. 7, shows a more invasiveair-filter appliance attachment means, whereby conventionalscrew-fasteners 29 can be employed to secure the appliance 25 in place.Such an attachment method would be more appropriate to utility-vehicles,such as in rugged truck cabin interiors. Air-filtration unit 25preferably includes a rigid perimeter-frame 30; and, is held intimatelyagainst dash outlet fascia 20. The exemplified upper externalscrew-fastener 38 is threaded into the existing fascia surface 20, whileexemplified internally concealed screw-fastener 38' below is consideredless obtrusive and safely submerged beneath the air-filtration material25.

Example of FIG. 8 shows an internal attachment of the air-filter unit 25proximal to the existing air-outlet 15 and louvers 18: which wouldnecessarily more than the other generic-variant examples herein,constitute an OEM installation, in as much as the position is todifficult in aftermarket or retrofit applications to which the otherexamples herein generally easily apply. In FIG. 8, the air-duct walls 29actually support the air-filtration material 25 via expedientapplication of an adhesive-resin 37/37' thereto. Hence, while such anarrangement is the most concealed, it is inconvenient to replace whendirty, so it presents a less commercially viable alternative tocleansing the exiting air. Nevertheless, it is still within the spiritand scope of the present invention.

Example of FIG. 9 shows how opposed spaced-apart bifurcatedflexile-fingers 36/36' having integrally formed entry-ramp surfaces,enables the air-filtration appliance 25 to be readily pressed on untilit audibly "clicks" into positive engagement upon the existingflange-like circumference of dash air-outlet aperture fascia 20.

In the generic-variant examples set forth here, the air-filtrationmaterial 25 is merely represented as a preferably plural layeredembodiment of perhaps differently made air-filtration materials, whichmay be of the porous paper composition type comprising randommulti-fiberous rovings, or other air-permeable material such asopen-celled polymer-foam material. For example, to achieve greaterfiltration effectiveness, fiberous-paper may be combined withactivated-charcoal; or, the air-filtration material may be treated witha tacky substrate, effectively serving to physically capture minutecontamination particles carried with the flowing air. The air-filtrationmaterial may be housed within a suitable containment-housing assuggested in some cases herein, or in any case, it is desired that theexiting air be directed entirely through the air-filtration material. Inany case, it is desired that the air-filtration be configured to a shapeof greater width and height than it's thickness, --thereby minimizingeffect of air-drag resistance there through. In some applications, itwould be desirable to include an aromatic substrate substance, whichwould provide an air-freshening effect appealing to some users, such aspine-scent, lemon-scent, mint-scent, etc.

Thus, it is readily understood how the preferred and generic-variantembodiments of this invention contemplate performing functions in anovel way not heretofore available nor realized. It is implicit that theutility of the foregoing adaptations of this invention are notnecessarily dependent upon any prevailing invention patent; and, whilethe present invention has been well described is to before by way ofcertain illustrated embodiments, it is to be expected that variouschanges, alterations, rearrangements, and obvious modifications may beresorted to by those skilled in the art to which it relates, withoutsubstantially departing from the implied spirit and scope of the instantinvention. Therefore, the invention has been disclosed herein by way ofexample, and not as imposed limitation, while the appended Claims setout the scope of the invention sought, and are to be construed asbroadly as the terminology therein employed permits, reckoning that theinvention verily comprehends every use of which it is susceptible.Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusiveproperty or proprietary privilege is claimed, are defined as follows.

I claim:
 1. An external air filtration appliance for use with vehicleair outlet located on the dashboard fascia of the passenger compartmentof a motor vehicle, comprising:an air filter having air entrance andexit sides, said filter further having one or more bezels located onsaid air entrance side, such that said bezels adjoin said air entranceside of said air filter to said dashboard fascia externally around theperimeter of said vehicle air outlet; and an attaching means for holdingsaid bezels intimately against said dashboard fascia, said attachingmeans being serviceably accessible from within said vehicle passengercompartment.
 2. The air filtration appliance according to claim 1,wherein said vehicle air outlet exists as it was originallymanufactured.
 3. The air filtration appliance according to claim 1,wherein said vehicle air outlet is factory configured to facilitateadaptation of said appliance.
 4. The air filtration appliance accordingto claim 1, wherein said attaching means comprises a hook and loopconfiguration having one piece adhesively affixed to said dashboardfascia, and having the corresponding piece affixed to said bezels ofsaid housing.
 5. The air filtration appliance according to claim 1,wherein said attaching means comprises double-faced adhesive tape. 6.The air filtration appliance according to claim 1, wherein saidattaching means comprises polymer resin.
 7. The air filtration applianceaccording to claim 1, wherein said air filter comprises porous paper. 8.The air filtration appliance according to claim 7, wherein said porouspaper comprises random multifiberous rovings.
 9. The air filtrationappliance according to claim 7, wherein said air filter comprises plurallayers of said porous paper.
 10. The air filtration appliance accordingto claim 1, wherein said air filter comprises a polymer foam.
 11. Theair filtration appliance according to claim 1, wherein said air filtercomprises activated charcoal.
 12. The air filtration appliance accordingto claim 1, wherein said air filter is configured to a shape such thatthe width and height are greater than the thickness.
 13. The airfiltration appliance according to claim 1, wherein said air filtercomprises a tacky substrate.
 14. An external air filtration appliancefor use with a vehicle air outlet located on the dashboard fascia of thepassenger compartment of a motor vehicle, comprising:a housing havingopposing open air entrance and exit sides, said housing further having aplurality of bezels located on said air entrance side, such that saidhousing bezels adjoin said air entrance side of said housing to saiddashboard fascia externally around the perimeter of said vehicle airoutlet; an attaching means for holding said bezels intimately againstsaid dashboard fascia, said attaching means being serviceably accessiblefrom within said vehicle passenger compartment; and a replaceable airfilter adapted to reside within said housing such that the air exitingthe vehicle air outlet passes into said air entrance side of saidhousing, through said air filter, and exits through said exit side ofsaid housing.
 15. The air filtration appliance according to claim 14,wherein said appliance further comprises a cover portion, said coverportion having opposing open air entrance and exit sides, said coverportion further being connected to said housing via a housing-hinge axisshared between one side of said cover portion and a corresponding sideof said housing, such that said cover portion is capable of rotating atsaid axis between open and closed positions.
 16. The air filtrationappliance according to claim 15, wherein said air filter is adapted toreside within said cover portion.
 17. The air filtration applianceaccording to claim 14, wherein said vehicle air outlet exists as it wasoriginally manufactured.
 18. The air filtration appliance according toclaim 14, wherein said vehicle air outlet is factory configured tofacilitate adaptation of said appliance.
 19. The air filtrationappliance according to claim 14, wherein said attaching means comprisesa hook and loop configuration having one piece adhesively affixed tosaid dashboard fascia, and having the corresponding piece affixed tosaid bezels of said housing.
 20. The air filtration appliance accordingto claim 14, wherein said attaching means comprises double-facedadhesive tape.
 21. The air filtration appliance according to claim 14,wherein said attaching means comprises polymer resin.
 22. The airfiltration appliance according to claim 14, wherein said air filtercomprises porous paper.
 23. The air filtration appliance according toclaim 22, wherein said porous paper comprises random multifiberousrovings.
 24. The air filtration appliance according to claim 22, whereinsaid air filter comprises plural layers of said porous paper.
 25. Theair filtration appliance according to claim 14, wherein said air filtercomprises a polymer foam.
 26. The air filtration appliance according toclaim 14, wherein said air filter comprises activated charcoal.
 27. Theair filtration appliance according to claim 14, wherein said air filteris configured to a shape such that the width and height are greater thanthe thickness.
 28. The air filtration appliance according to claim 14,wherein said air filter comprises a tacky substrate.